Saucerneol F inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6 production by suppressing Fyn-mediated pathways in FcεRI-mediated mast cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of saucerneol F (SF) on the productions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, in IgE/Ag-induced mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). SF dose-dependently suppressed the transcriptions of these pro-inflammatory cytokines. To identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for these suppressions, we examined the effect of SF on three important transcription factors; activator protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and STAT5.

Low molecular weight fucoidan improves endoplasmic reticulum stress-reduced insulin sensitivity through AMP-activated protein kinase activation in L6 myotubes and restores lipid homeostasis in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.

Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) is widely used to treat metabolic disorders, but its physiologic effects have not been well determined. In the present study, we investigated the metabolic effects of LMWF in obese diabetic mice (leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice) and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-responsive L6 myotubes. The effect of LMWF-mediated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation on insulin resistance via regulation of the ER stress-dependent pathway was examined in vitro and in vivo.

Anti-inflammatory activity of hexane extracts from bones and internal organs of Anguilla japonica suppresses cyclooxygenase-2-dependent prostaglandin D₂ generation in mast cells and anaphylaxis in mice.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of n-hexane extracts from bones and internal organs of Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica (HEE), on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent prostaglandin D₂(PGD₂) generation in stem cell factor (SCF), IL-10, plus LPS-induced mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice. HEE suppressed SCF/IL-10/LPS-induced PGD₂ generation, and concomitantly reduced COX-2 protein expression dose-dependently. To understand the mechanistic basis for the inhibition of PGD₂ generation by HEE, we examined the effects of HEE on upstream signaling pathways essential for COX-2 induction.

Inula japonica extract inhibits mast cell-mediated allergic reaction and mast cell activation.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The flowers of Inula japonica (Inulae Flos) have long been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of bronchitis, digestive disorders, and inflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects remain yet to be elucidated. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess the anti-allergic activity of the ethanol extract of flowers of Inula japonica extract (IFE) in vivo, 2) to investigate the mechanism of its action on mast cells in vitro, and 3) to identify its major phytochemical compositions.